HUMPHREYS COUNTY, Tenn. — Investigators are piecing together the events that led to a devastating explosion at a Middle Tennessee explosives plant two weeks ago. The blast claimed the lives of sixteen individuals, and the remains of two victims are still unaccounted for.

On Friday, Sheriff Chris Davis of Humphreys County provided an update, stating that they are in contact with the families of the two missing victims as the investigation progresses.

“It deeply saddens me that we have yet to find two of the souls lost to this tragedy,” Davis expressed.

Investigative teams are diligently working to uncover the cause behind the detonation of approximately 28,000 pounds of high explosives at Accurate Energetic Systems, located on the border of Humphreys and Hickman counties.

The ATF and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation were called to help in the investigation. 

According to Jamey VanVliet, the ATF special agent in charge of the Nashville division, the explosion started on the first floor of the building, which was the production level. They believe an initial explosion occurred in a “production kettle” that ignited the rest of the highly explosive materials in the building, obliterating the structure and everyone inside in a massive blast that could be heard and felt for miles. 

A mother is suing the parent company of AES on behalf of her 9-year-old child after the girl’s father died in the explosion.

The mother, Cheyanne Towry, filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of her 9-year-old daughter in Humphreys County Circuit Court on Oct. 16. 

The lawsuit alleged AAC Investments, LLC, the parent company of Accurate Energetic Systems, was negligent and failed to take measures to prevent the explosion that incinerated a factory building and killed everyone inside on the morning of Oct. 10.

“The explosion occurred because Defendant AAC failed to maintain a reasonably safe factory for the fabrication, storage and handling of explosives and explosive materials,” the lawsuit alleged.

Among the 16 people killed was 37-year-old Jeremy Moore, father of the 9-year-old plaintiff. 

“The explosion was so powerful that at least fifteen (15) other people in Defendant’s factory died and the shock from the explosion was felt miles away. There are no known survivors of the explosion,” the lawsuit said.

The mother alleged AAC Investments was “negligent generally” and breached its duty to keep workers safe in several ways before the explosion, including failing to recognize hazards or provide adequate equipment and competent personnel.

The lawsuit is seeking up to $12 million in compensatory and punitive damages, and for the case to be heard by a jury. 

The cause of the blast was still unknown as of the weekend. Investigators were searching the incinerated property foot-by-foot, searching for possible evidence for what could have caused the explosion.

Authorities had previously said 18 people were missing or unaccounted for, and they addressed the change in numbers.

“Now you notice the number, there’s a difference in the number there. We have been able to locate and determine those two other folks was not on this site,” Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said in that press conference on Saturday evening. “We can tell you as of right now, we have contacted all 16 — and we’re gonna call them victims — (their) loved ones,  families, that we feel was part of this tragedy.”

Davis said part of the reason for what he referred to as a “discrepancy” was due to authorities finding those two people’s cars and personal belongings on the site, before later confirming they were not there.

In that same press conference, Davis stated that members of the community had already begun to step up and help their neighbors. He said both school districts in that area have begun preparing to offer counseling to those affected by the tragedy.

Accurate Engergetic Systems released a statement after the lawsuit was filed. It can be read below. 

“Our team at Accurate Energetic Systems is shocked and devastated following the tragic explosion and loss of 16 employees that took place on our campus on October 10, 2025. These team members are our family, our friends, our neighbors – it is impossible to comprehend.

Our top priority is to support our team, their families and our community as we grieve together. The outreach we’ve received from thousands of neighbors, churches, businesses, organizations and even those not directly impacted by this tragedy has been overwhelming. We would especially like to thank Compassion Church in Waverly, McEwen Church of Christ, World Central Kitchen, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Tennessee Disaster Mental Health Strike Team – these and numerous other organizations and individuals have been a light and provided strength for all of us during this devastating time. Ours is a close and incredible community.

Accurate Energetic Systems is committed to learning what caused this unprecedented tragedy, and we recognize this will be a lengthy process. Our dedication to the highest safety standards has been our constant priority for 45 years at our facilities and in our community. This is shared not just by our company leadership but by our team members and our civic and elected officials. We maintain high industry standards and have regular reviews by state and federal regulators, and we also lead our industry with significant roles within national safety organizations. That is another reason why this tragedy is so difficult to comprehend. 

We are assisting investigators in every way possible and will continue to do so as we all seek answers. We have asked that everyone on our team support the hundreds of responders and investigators that are doing the most difficult of jobs.

Thank you to all who have reached out and provided support during this tragic time. We will continue to work with local, state and federal agencies to provide updates as we have them.

We cannot comment on pending litigation.”

On Friday, AES announced it had established a fund to support families and workers impacted by the explosion. 

“Today, Accurate Energetic Systems and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee established a fund to support families and workers impacted by the tragic explosion that occurred on October 10 in Bucksnort, Tennessee,” a release said. 

The fund will be used to help meet immediate needs such as funeral expenses, medical care, housing and food assistance.